Large-scale Agricultural Investments and their Implications on Water Access and Quality for Local Communities in northern Uganda

Abstract
Water is a critical factor of production in agriculture and a highly sought-after resource by large-scale agricultural investors. However, it is rarely included in many land acquisition contracts that downplay the user rights of the adjacent communities. This study investigated the implications of LSAI on local communities’ access to water and effects of human activities around LSAI on water quality. Data were collected from 388 respondents using a structured questionnaire and eight key informants were interviewed with the help of a question check list. Water samples were taken from five points located 200 meters apart along a 1,000 m transect on River Nyamukino. The samples were analysed in Public Health and Environmental Engineering Laboratory at Makerere University using the American Public Health Association protocols. Data were subjected to chi-square test and one-way ANOVA. Results revealed that activities on LSAI farms slightly affected water quality. Watering of livestock, lack of pit latrines and application of agro-chemicals on the LSAI farms further polluted water. Although water quality slightly declined, results of the laboratory tests revealed that the water quality parameters in the wet and dry seasons were within the limits of potable water in Uganda. The relationship between distance and walking time to water source was statistically significant (F=3.34; p=0.0332). There was a claim that a skin disease incidence was due to use of water polluted with agrochemicals. In this regard, it is recommended that activities of LSAI need to be regulated in conformity with the provisions of the Uganda National Environment Act 2019. Furthermore, studies are needed to establish the cause-effect relationship between agro-chemical pollution of water sources and the skin disease to guide future LSAI on-farm application of agro-chemicals.